My Week in Maine with Master Landscape Artist, T. Allen Lawson

For years, I have admired the poetic landscape paintings of T. Allen Lawson. So, when fellow artist Shanna Kunz asked me to join her at Tim’s plein air painting workshop in Maine, I jumped at the chance!

Together with 12 other seasoned artists, we began our week at T. Allen Lawson’s charming farmhouse and studio in Rockport, Maine. Tim and his wife have created a 50 acre haven for themselves and their 4 children.

Surrounded by paddocks of horses and sheep, free roaming chickens, happy dogs and colorful woods, the Lawsons have endless inspiration. It was interesting to learn that Tim’s talented wife, Dorie, is a published author, and the daughter of famed American historian, David McCullough!

Tim’s generosity and hospitality is unrivaled. He kept us working from early morning until dinnertime each day. In the 12 passenger van, Tim acted as our personal chauffeur and patiently answered our endless questions as he drove us to each new painting location.

Tim explaining our assignment for painting at an old church cemetery.Morning painting at the old church cemetery. Kinda creepy, but I painted things I’d never paint on my own, and learned a lot!Lunch break with fellow painter, Shanna Kunz, at a Maine lobster shack!After a full day of painting, T. Allen Lawson was still teaching at sunset!

Here are just a few of the highlights from my week with landscape artist, T. Allen Lawson:

“If a painting is ‘high key’, it’s the darker areas that become important. Or if the scene is dark, it’s the lighter areas that matter.”

Lori McNee

Lori McNee is a professional artist who specializes in still life, and landscape oil paintings. She is an exhibiting member of Oil Painters of America, Plein Air Painters of Idaho, serves on the Plein Air Mag Board of Advisors, and is an Artist Ambassador to Arches/Canson/Royal Talens. As the owner of FineArtTips.com, Lori blogs about fine art tips, marketing, and social media advice for the aspiring and professional artist. As a social media influencer, Lori ranks as one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women on Twitter, has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and named a #TwitterPowerhouse by The Huffington Post. She is a keynote speaker, has been a talk show host for Plum TV, writes for F+W Media publications including Artist’s Magazine, Artist’s & Graphic Designer’s Market, Photographer’s Market. Also, Zero to 100,000: Social Media Tips & Tricks for Small Businesses. Lori is also a member of the CBS Entertainment Tonight & The Insider Tweet Team.

Thanks Lori,
Appreciate your sharing the time learning from artist T. Allen Lawson.
Have been hoping to get on a workshop for some time…and just found out that this year he is not teaching a workshop…so will have to hope for next year.
Beautiful area in Rockport.

Yes, I feel lucky that I got to go! He isn’t teaching one this year. My advice would be to get your name on the list, and when the announcement comes out, FedEx your deposit overnight! That’s how I got in…good luck. I hope this post was helpful.
Lori

Hi Lori, just came upon this blog while searching for Tim’s work. I had t known that you took this workshop. It must’ve been a most amazing one. I’ll keep an eye out for upcoming workshops since it’s within driving distance for me and I have a friend who lives in Rockland.